Marble game



w. BECKER MARBLE GAME Dec. 5, 1939.

Filed March 1, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS lw'zlzer Bee/fer ATTORNEY MARBLE GAME Filed March 1, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTO'R' Walter Bee/re:-

' T 1]. W. ATTORNEY w BECKER- 2,182,577

MARBLE GAME Filed Marchl, 1939' 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Walter .Bec/ er' ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

5 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a marble game.

The invention has for an object the construction of a marble game'having educational qualities in that a plurality of openings are provided for receiving marbles and each of the openings is provided with the name of a city and its population designed to teach children the names of important cities together with their populations.

Still further it is proposed that the populations of the cities be used'in determining the winner of the game by so selecting the cities that each of the openings will have a different value.

Still further it is proposed that the game be constructed of cardboard'or metal and comprises a horizontal central portion having the openings, a downwardly inclined front runway portion up which the marbles are adapted to roll, and a background portion extending from the back of said central portion in a manner to prevent said marbles from rolling therefrom.

Still further the invention proposes a novel means for supporting the central portion above the surface upon which the game is resting in a manner to provide a slight incline thereto for causing the marbles to tend to roll forward until such time as they engage into one of the openings.

Still further the invention proposes a means for permitting the inclination of said central portion to be varied to change the skill required for engaging the marbles into the openings.-

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a marble game constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the clamps per se.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detailed view on the line on. the line 'll of Fig. 6. i i I Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 88 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 99 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is still another view similar to Fig. 1* 5 but illustrating a further modification of the invention. Y 1

Fig. 11 is a sectional view on the line llll of Fig. 10. i

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on the line l2-l2- of Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a game constructed according to another modification of this invention. i

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on the line l4l4- of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is aperspective view ofa game constructed according to another modification of this invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a game con- ,structed according to another modification of the invention.

Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line I'l-|Il of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a game constructed according to still another modification.

of cardboard, metal or the like and whichcom- -prises a horizontal central portion Ill The horizontal central'portion ll] is formed with a plurality of apertures H for receiving marbles.

The apertures H areformed on the central por- -tion Ill ina particular relationship to each 'other and'are of a diameter slightly less than ,the diameter. of the marbles used in conjunction with the 'game'for' permitting a portion of the marble to engage therein while the remaining portion projects beyond the top face of said horizontal central portion.

The marble game is intended for educational purposes and the horizontal central portionadjacent each of the openings is imprinted With the names of cities l2 and their populations l3, designed to teach children the names of the important cities together with their populations. It is proposed that the populations associated ,with the apertures. ll be used for determining the winner of the game by'providing a system.

of scoring. Whenever a marble drops within one of the apertures II the player is entitled to add the population of said city to his score.

The relatively stiff sheet of material i0 further includes a downwardly inclined front runway portion l0 up which the marbles are adapted to be rolled and which serves to support the front of the horizontal portion I0 slightly above the surface upon which the game is rested. The game device is placed upon a substantially flat surface and the marbles are rolled from a point spaced from the horizontal central portion I0 and rolled up the inclined front portion l and across the horizontal portion I0 and into one of the apertures H.

A background portion l0 is formed at the back of the relatively stiff sheet of material [0 and is provided with a leg portion i0 out from the material of the horizontal portion ill for supporting the rear of the horizontal portion Mi The leg l0 is slightly-longer than the distance between the front edge of the horizontal central portion l0 and the surface upon which the game is being rested for supporting the horizontal central portion-I0 at a slight inclination sloping to the front thereof. This adds interest to the game in that it causes the marbles to roll towards the front of the board after they have lost the momentum which caused them to roll to the rear thereof.

A means is provided for holding the runway portion I0 and the background portion |0 in their proper relationship to the horizontal portion |0. This means comprises small metallic clamps H! which are adapted to be engaged upon the relatively stiff sheet of material at the junction between the horizontal portion l0, the inclined front portion I0 and the background portion l0. Each of the clamps M comprises a portion l i which is adapted to extend along the bottom face of the relatively stiff sheet of material l0. One edge of the bottom portion M is provided with outwardly projecting fingers M which are adapted to be bent around the edge of the relatively stiff sheet of material I0 and be clamped upon the top face of the said sheet in a manner to hold the clamp thereon. The center of the bottom portion M of the clamp is adapted to be bent along a line extending parallel to the fingers M for holding the runway portion I0 and the background portion 10 in their proper positions.

The horizontal portion l0 of the game is provided with a plurality of deflecting portions I0 -which are stamped from the body thereof and which are adapted to be extended upwards at right angles to the horizontal portion l0 in a manner to have the marbles strike thereagainst 'for deflecting their movement across the hori- 00' zontal portion 10 for changing the course of marbles across the top face thereof.

The operation of this form of the invention is as follows:

The clamps M are positioned on the relatively stiif sheet of material 10 for holding the runway portion 10 and the background portion I0 in The game is rested upon ing and are totaled in a manner to determine the winner of the game.

According to the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive the marble game includes a relatively stiff sheet of material 20 of cardboard or metal and includes a horizontal portion 20 provided with a plurality of apertures 2| for receiving marbles. This form of the invention is in the form of a golf game and each of the apertures 2| is provided with a number and there are 18 apertures formed in the horizontal portion 20 to represent the 18 holes of a golf course. The apertures 2| are slightly smaller than the diameter of the marbles for causing a portion of a marble to engage therein while the remaining portion thereof projects beyond the top face of the horizontal portion 20.

The score is taken by adding together the numtion 20 has leg portions 20 stamped therefrom:

which are adapted to be projected downwards from the back edge of the horizontal portion 20 for supporting the back edge of the horizontal portion.

Reinforcement strips 22 extend along the side edges of the horizontal portion 20 and each reinforcement strip is provided with an inwardly extending flange portion 22 having alcoves 23 which are adapted to receive and hold marbles in a manner to prevent them from engaging into the apertures 2|. When the marbles are engaged into the alcoves 23 they are out of play and do not count.

The reinforcement strips 22 are clamped upon the edges of the horizontal portion 20 and each;

is provided with an offset portion 22 which holds the flanges 22 in a spaced position above the face of the horizontal portion 20. The strips 22 are provided at their ends with means for holding the inclined portion 20 in its proper posi-- tion with relation to the horizontal portion 20 and for holding the leg portions 20 in their proper position with relation to the back edge of the horizontal portion 20. This means oomprises clamp portions 22 formed on the ends of the reinforcement strips 22 and which are adapted to be engaged upon the edges of the runway portion 20 and the leg portions 20.

A bottom binding 24 is clamped upon the bottom ends of the leg portions 20 for holding all of the bottom leg portions 20" in a proper plane with relation to each other. Similarly, a top binding strip 25 is engaged on the upper ends of the background portion 20 for holding the same in a proper plane with relation to each other.

The center background portion 20 is.provided with a means for holding it in a position extended at right angles to the horizontal portion 20. strip 26 having one arm extending along the bottom face of the horizontal portion 20 and the other arm extended along the back face of the background portion 20. Prongs 26 are stamped from the strip 26 and engage through the ma- This means comprises L-shaped metal I terial of the relatively stiff sheet for holding the same in its upright position.

The horizontal portion 20 is provided with deflecting portions 20 stamped from the material thereof and which are adapted to extend upwards therefrom in a manner to deflect the marbles to change their course across the top face of the horizontal portion 20*.

A means is provided for changing the inclination of the horizontal portion 20 for adding interest to the game. This means comprises sheet extension portions 21 stamped from the leg portion 20 and which are pivotally supported upon lugs 28 formed on the leg portions 20 The feet extension portions 21 are frictionally maintained in position by the lugs 20 and are adapted to be extended downwards as indicated by the dot and dash lines 21' in Fig. 8 for engaging the surface upon which the game device is resting for lifting the back edge of the horizontal portion 20 to change its inclination with relation to the surface upon which it is resting.

According to the modification of the invention shown in Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive a relatively stifi sheet of material 30 comprising a horizontal central portion 30 is provided with a plurality of openings 3| for receiving marbles. A downwardly inclined front runway portion 30 extends from the front edge of the horizontal portion 30 up which the marbles may be rolled. The inclined runway portion 30 further acts as a support for the front edge of the horizontal por-,- tion 30*.

A background portion 30 extends from the back edge of the horizontal portion 30 and has leg portions 30 stamped from the horizontal portion 30 which are adapted to extend downwards from the background portion 30 in a manner to support the back edge of the horizontal portion 30 A novel means is provided for supporting the background portion 30 in an extended position at right angles to the horizontal portion 30 This means comprises a hinged flap 32 which isadapted to be extended forwards from the background portion 30 and which is provided with a cutout 32 for engaging the top and bottom faces of the horizontal portion 30 The cutout 32 is extended parallel to the horizontal portion 30 and at right angles to the background portion 30 and is adapted to be frictionally maintained in position for holding the background portion 30 extended.

This form of the invention is also provided with foot portions 33 stamped from the leg portions 30 which are pivotally supported upon lugs 34 and which are frictionally maintained in position thereby. The feet portions 33 are adapted to be extended downwards as indicated by the dot and dash lines 33 in Fig. 12 for changing the inclination of the horizontal portion 30 as previously described.

In the modified form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 13 and 14 the marble game includes a relatively stiff sheet of material 20 of cardboard, metal or the like having a front edge portion 20 directed forwards and downwards at an inclination, and having a plurality of apertures 2i and at its rear having an upwardly directed flange 65. This flange 45 has several tongues 45 stamped from the material of the sheet 20' which serve as legs to support the rear portion thereof. At the sides the sheet 20' has flange portions 22' stamped from the material thereof and directed upwards at an rolling along these sides.

inclination and formedwith a plurality of alcoves 23 adapted to catch and hold marbles The flange 20 has an upwardly directed lip 40 terminating at the top in an arcuate edge. 4| forming a front stop for 2'5 catching marbles rolling towards the-front. In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous form.

In Fig. 15 another modified form is disclosed in which the marble game includes a relatively;:1 stiff sheet of material 20" having a plurality of apertures 2|. and at its front end. having a downwardly directed flange continuing into an upward directed flange 40 formed with an arcuate top edge 4| acting as a stop for the marbles. g 5 At the sides the downward directed flange is provided with reinforcement portions 42. Along the sides the material 20' has inward directed flanges 22' to prevent the marbles from rolling off. At the rear the sheet 20 has an upwardtzgo directed flange 45 formed with downwardly directed lugs 44 stamped from the material of the sheet 20. These lugs serve to support the rear portion of the sheet 20in elevated positions. Side lugs 42 reinforce the edges of the flange 45.

In Figs. 16 and 17 another modified form of the invention has been disclosed in which the marble game includes a relatively stifi sheet of material 20" formed with a plurality of openings 2i and at the front with a downwardly and forn30 wardly inclined flange 20'. A stop lip 4| is stamped from the material of the sheet 20 and acts as a stop for the marbles rolling downwards. At the sides the sheet 20" is formed with cuts 43 dividing 01f lug portions 22 which 2 2 may be bent upwards as indicated by the dot and dash lines to form side rails for the sheet 20". In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous forms.

In Fig. 18 another modification is disclosed in which the marble game includes a relatively stiff sheet of material 50 formed with a plurality of apertures 5| and 52 arranged in two areas, one area along the back portion of the sheet and the other along the front portion.

A hazard member 5d is slidably mounted on the sheet 50. This hazard member comprises a strip of material bent along its longitudinal center and having its side portions formed with slots through which the sheet 50 passes. The sheet 50 is also formed with an opening 55 forming an additional hazard. The front and rear end portions of the sheet 50 are formed with downwardly directed flanges 53. In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous forms.

In Figs. 19-21 inclusive another embodiment is shown in which the marble game includes a relatively stiff sheet of material 50' formed with a plurality of apertures 5| and 52 and at its sides supported in grooves 51 of side rails 56. The sheet 50' has its front and rear ends provided with downwardly directed flange portions 53. A hazard in the form of an opening 55' surrounded at its rear and sides with a flange 54' is arranged upon the sheet 50' between the groups of apertures 5| and 52. In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous forms.

The game may be in the form of a miniature golf, baseball, football or any other game. The material of the board and the edging may be constructed as desired. The holes in the game are preferably somewhat larger than the marbles used for playing the game, so that after each game is played, the game board is to be lifted and the marble play pieces may be collected from the table or floor where the game is played.

The rules for playing the game will be set by the players.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to .be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A marble game, comprising a relatively stiff sheet of material like cardboard, metal and the like having a horizontal central portion with apertures for receiving marbles, a downwardly inclined front runway portion up which marbles may be rolled and serving to support the front of said horizontal portion in an elevated position, a background portion bent upwards from the rear of said horizontal area and having leg portions stamped from the material of said horizontal portion and extending downwards and supporting the rear of said horizontal portion, and a reinforcement s rip clamped upon each side of said horizontal portion and having a flange portion extending therefrom and formed with alcoves adapted to receive and hold the marbles which enter therein.

2. A marble game, comprising a relatively stiff sheet of material like cardboard, metal and the like having a horizontal central portion with apertures for receiving marbles, a downwardly inclined front runwayportion up which marbles may be rolled and serving to support the front of said horizontal portion in an elevatedposition, a background portion bent upwards frcm the rear of said horizontal area and having leg portions stamped from the material of said horizontal portion and extending downwards and supporting the rear of said horizontal portion, and a reinforcement strip clamped upon each side of said horizontal portion and having a flange portion extending therefrom and formed with alcoves adapted to receive and hold the marbles which enter therein, each of said reinforcement strips being provided with an offset portion for spacing said flange portions above the top face of said horizontal portion.

3L A marble game, comprising a relatively stiff sheet of material like cardboard,metal and the like having a horizontal central portion with apertures for receiving marbles, a downwardly inclined front runway portion up which marbles may be rolled and serving to support the front of said horizontal portion in an elevated position, a background portion bent upwards from the rear of said horizontal area and having leg portions stamped from the material of said horizontal, portion and extending downwards and supporting the rear of said horizontal portion, and a reinforcement strip clamped upon each side of said horizontal portion and having a flange portion extending therefrom and formed with alcoves:

adapted to receive and hold the marbles which enter therein, each of said reinforcement strips being provided with an offset portion for spacing said flange portions above the top face of said horizontal portion, each of said reinforcement,

strips being provided with clamp portions on the ends thereof for engaging said inclined portion and said background portion for holding the same in proper positions with relation to said horizontal portion,

4. A marble game, comprising a relatively stiff sheet of material like cardboard, metal and the like having a horizontal central portion with apertures for receiving marbles, a downwardly inclined front runway portion up which marbles: may be rolled and serving to support the front ofsaid horizontal portion in an elevated position, a background portion bent upwards from the rear of said horizontal area and having leg portions stamped from the material of said horizontal portion and extending downwards and supporting the rear of said horizontal portion, and said extension portions cut from said leg portions and hingedly mounted and frictionally maintained in position and adapted to be ex tended beyond the bottom edge of said leg portion in a manner to changethe inclination of said horizontal portion.

5. A marble game, comprising a relatively stiff sheet of material formed with a plurality of openings through which marbles may pass, and flanges upon said sheet arranged for holding the same in elevated position and'arranged to form stops and guides for the marbles, along the sides and front, the flanges at the sides being formed .50 with alcoves for receiving and holding marbles.

WALTER BECKER. 

